Several years ago, Jack Tyler told me he was going to design his own saxophone back strap. I told him that if he executed it with the same perfectionism he brings to everything else at the Boston Sax Shop, the market demand would be enormous. That day has come, and the Boston Sax Shop Cloud Strap borders on perfection.
Design Features
The Cloud Strap draws inspiration from the Whimory Balam back strap but elevates the concept considerably. Jack reinforced the strap with mil spec paracord rated to support 100 lbs, paired it with a metal hook featuring an ABS plastic insert to prevent wear, and integrated 10mm thick padding into the dual leather straps. The result surpasses the Balam in both comfort and durability.
Adjustment is straightforward. Jack has a video demonstrating how to fit the strap to your shoulders, and I had mine adjusted correctly in a few minutes. I would strongly recommend every Cloud Strap owner watch it before their first session.
The Cloud Strap is the single most comfortable saxophone strap I have ever worn. It is more comfortable than the Marmaduke Feather IV and far more comfortable than the Balam. The back piece is not irritating when wearing a thin shirt, which was a persistent issue with the Balam at the rear connection points. The BSS Cloud Strap resolves those concerns completely.
On price, the Cloud Strap is very competitive. It is roughly $70 less than the Breathtaking Lithe II, and the Marmaduke Feather IV runs $123 with shipping. Jack does not charge domestic shipping. By my assessment, the Cloud Strap offers superior craftsmanship and comfort compared to both.
My Strap Journey
I have owned every significantly innovative shoulder, back, and neck strap made in the past ten years: the BG Yoke, Breathtaking Lithe II, BSS Newbury Street, Jazzlab Saxholder, Just Joe’s, Marmaduke Feather IV, and the Whimory Balam, among others. Here is what I found with each before landing on the Cloud Strap.
The Whimory Balam was my first experience with back straps. Comfortable enough with a thick shirt or sweater, but the rear connection points were irritating against thinner fabric, and the front end points needed more cushioning at the collar bones. The Cloud Strap addresses both.
The Jazzlab Saxholder lasted a day. It placed undue pressure in the middle of my upper back. It is adequate for standing practice but not comfortable enough for extended sessions.
The Marmaduke Feather IV is an excellent strap. The weight distributes well across the shoulders and back, it is superbly crafted, and it carries an 80kg load rating. I had no complaints about it until I tried the Cloud Strap. It is simply not quite as ideal.
The Breathtaking Lithe II is beautifully designed and crafted. I found it better suited to clarinet, soprano, or alto than to tenor. On tenor I need a back strap, and the Lithe II does not provide that support in the same way.
The Cloud Strap settled the question. Unless a second generation Cloud Strap appears, I am done searching.
This review reflects my personal experience and opinions. Product specifications and pricing are accurate as of the date of writing but may change. I have no financial affiliation with any of the brands mentioned.
Further Reading
For related reading on Boston Sax Shop products and repair:
For the Ambassador II tenor saxophone case, read: Boston Sax Shop Ambassador II.
For an account of the Boston Sax Shop as a repair destination, read: Outstanding Saxophone Repair Shop in Boston, MA.
A complete list of all Jazzocrat essays can be found here.
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